As members of the Eating Disorder Outreach team at Student Counseling Services, we are writing in response to Megan Churchill’s Sept. 17 article, “Weighing in on the fad diet craze.” Our aim in offering alternative opinions on this piece is to correct some common misconceptions regarding dieting behavior. First and foremost, it is essential to note that 95 to 98 percent of all dieters regain weight previously lost during the dieting cycle. Therefore, while many fad diets may provide short-term reductions in weight, these reductions often are not maintained. In addition, fad diets establish a dangerous cycle of yo-yo dieting that can lead to long-term decrements in overall health and a substantial decrease in metabolic rate. For example, yo-yo dieting behavior has been linked to a variety of negative health effects including heart disease and stroke.

In addition to the negative physical consequences, the impact of dieting on overall mental health and well-being is devastating. Caloric deprivation has been linked to depression, anxiety and irritability. Finally, dieting is the leading risk factor for the development of eating disorders. Recent research indicates that up to 35 percent of dieters will progress to pathological dieting, and of this, 35 percent, 20 to 25 percent will progress to partial or full-blown eating disorders. This statistic is significant since eating disorders are linked to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder and premature death.

In summary, we would like to send a message of health and body acceptance to members of the ISU community:

1) Exercise in moderation to improve your health and mood.

2) Eat when you are hungry, stop when you are full.

3) Eat a wide variety of foods.

4) Attempt to eat according to the guidelines set forth by the food guide pyramid.

5) Do not allow eating to become an emotional experience characterized by feelings of accomplishment or guilt.

6) Accept your own size and shape.

7) Remember that the consequences of fad diets are grave and the rewards relatively few.

Melinda Green M.S.

Kersten White M.S.

SCS Interns

Michelle Hall M.Ed., LMHC

SCS Eating Disorders Coordinator